What Do We See in Them? Identifying Dimensions of Partner Models for Speech Interfaces Using a Psycholexical Approach
Philip R Doyle, Leigh Clark, Benjamin R. Cowan
Abstract
Perceptions of system competence and communicative ability, termed partner models, play a signifcant role in speech interface interaction. Yet we do not know what the core dimensions of this concept are. Taking a psycholexical approach, our paper is the frst to identify the key dimensions that defne partner models in speech agent interaction. Through a repertory grid study (N=21), a review of key subjective questionnaires, an expert review of resulting word pairs and an online study of 356 users of speech interfaces, we identify three key dimensions that make up a users' partner model: 1) perceptions towards partner competence and dependability; 2) assessment of human-likeness; and 3) a system's perceived cognitive fexibility. We discuss the implications for partner modelling as a concept, emphasising the importance of salience and the dynamic nature of these perceptions.